Notre Dame classmates Bill Castleman (L) and Joe O'Neil, who have each left their careers to set up as oil lease dealers, examining lease map (Photo by Joseph Scherschel//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Notre Dame classmates Bill Castleman (L) and Joe O'Neil, who have each left their careers to set up as oil lease dealers, examining lease map (Photo by Joseph Scherschel//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Baptist deacons J. E. Woodson (third from left), E. H. Williamson (center), John L. Langford (second from right) and Pastor Jack O'Neal (right), who have all struck oil on their land or have started drilling for it. (Photo by Frank Scherschel//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images) less

Baptist deacons J. E. Woodson (third from left), E. H. Williamson (center), John L. Langford (second from right) and Pastor Jack O'Neal (right), who have all struck oil on their land or have started drilling ... more

Drilling rig in churchyard sinking well that pastor and deacons anticipate will bring their church a comfortable long-term income of $1,000 a month. (Photo by Frank Scherschel//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Drilling rig in churchyard sinking well that pastor and deacons anticipate will bring their church a comfortable long-term income of $1,000 a month. (Photo by Frank Scherschel//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Photo: Frank Scherschel, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

Drilling rig in churchyard sinking well that pastor and deacons... Photo-5558944.75543 - San Antonio Express-News

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A mother and her children play next to a pumpjack in Kilgore. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

A mother and her children play next to a pumpjack in Kilgore. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

Photo: Keystone-France, Gamma-Keystone Via Getty Images

A mother and her children play next to a pumpjack in Kilgore.... Photo-5558945.75543 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 34 of 46

Main Street in Kilgore. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

Main Street in Kilgore. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

Photo: Keystone-France, Gamma-Keystone Via Getty Images

Main Street in Kilgore. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone... Photo-5558946.75543 - San Antonio Express-News